Bad online reviews hurt at a different level for a new or small business owner.
If you’ve been there, we feel you. It’s justified that these negative Google reviews just feel unfair. They are public. Almost permanent. That’s not good, as they overshadow your business reputation to a great extent.
You see, Google Reviews can instantly tell whether customers trust your business or should walk away. That’s true for 96% of consumers.
So let’s look at what’s possible and what isn’t. Let’s find out how to remove bad Google reviews with different methods.
Can You Delete Google Reviews?
You cannot delete reviews yourself. Only Google can remove them. And they only act when reviews break their published content policies.
That means if a customer leaves a genuine but negative review, you cannot remove it. What you can do is manage it in the right way.
If you’re just setting up your listing, make sure you’ve followed the steps in how to add a business to Google in 2025.
When Does Google Remove Negative Reviews?
Google will step in if a review clearly violates their guidelines. Examples include:
● Offensive, abusive or adult content
● Conflicts of interest (competitors or ex employees posting reviews)
● Mentions of illegal activity
You can see the full policy on Google’s help page.
How to Remove Bad Reviews from Google My Business in 7 Easy Steps
Try these 7 proven steps, first of all.
1. Check if the negative review breaks Google’s rules
Compare the review with official policies.
2. Collect evidence
Take screenshots, keep any email threads, and gather proof the reviewer is not a real customer.
3. Flag the review
On desktop: click the three dots and select “Flag as inappropriate.”
On mobile: tap the flag icon.
4. Submit a detailed removal request
Explain why the review violates policy and provide your evidence.
5. Contact Google support
If nothing happens in a week, reach out through your Google Business Profile dashboard or use the Review Management tool.
6. Appeal if rejected
Use the appeal option and provide additional details.
7. Ask the community forum
Post your case ID in the Google Business Community. Moderators sometimes escalate valid cases.
How Long Does it Take to Remove a Bad Google Review?
Google reviews flagged content within 3 to 7 business days in general. Some cases take longer.
What if Google Won’t Remove the Review?
Then it’s about smart online reputation management.
● Reply professionally – A calm, polite response shows future customers you care.
● Encourage more reviews – A steady flow of positive, verified reviews quickly pushes a single bad review down. See how to get more Google reviews.
● Promote reviews with photos – Visuals increase trust and stand out in search results.
Respond to Negative Google Reviews Always
Many new business owners don’t know that tone matters a great deal when responding to a negative Google review.
Just remember to keep it polite, short, and constructive.
● Thank the customer for their feedback
● Acknowledge the issue
● Offer to fix it offline (if possible), but give them something that resolves the issue
Example
“Hello [real name of user], thanks for your honest feedback and your time. We’re sorry to hear this and would like to help. Please reach out directly so we can resolve the issue.”
Handled well, negative feedback can even strengthen loyalty.
Why Verified Google Reviews Matter
Fake reviews are just there to erode trust. Verified reviews, however, build it.
Over half of customers say they won’t buy if they think reviews are fake.
That’s why it works when you use verified review services of TrustlyR. We can confirm that feedback is genuine and compliant.
This protects your reputation long term. Plus, we ensure your Google profile remains credible.
Final Tips for Managing Google Reviews
To remove negative Google reviews is to be aware of a few things in your own control.
● Monitor your reviews regularly
● Act quickly if something looks suspicious
● Ask real customers for honest reviews after positive experiences
● Use verified review services responsibly
Reputation takes time.
And if you want a hand keeping it clean, TrustlyR makes it easy.
Negative reviews are not the finish line.
They are the start of building stronger trust.
